Sussex Borough Government and Political Landscape
Sussex Borough operates under a structured system of local governance designed to balance executive leadership with legislative oversight. As a municipality in New Jersey, it utilizes a specific administrative framework that is common across the state, ensuring a standardized approach to local law and public service.
Local Government Structure
Sussex is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government. This is the most prevalent system in the state, utilized by 218 out of 564 municipalities. This specific model is characterized as a "weak mayor / strong council" system, meaning the legislative power is concentrated within the council rather than the executive.
The governing body consists of a mayor and a borough council, all of whom are elected at-large on a partisan basis during the November general elections. The mayor is directly elected by voters to a four-year term. The borough council comprises six members who serve three-year staggered terms, with two seats contested every year in a three-year cycle.
In this system, the council serves as the primary legislative body. The mayor presides over meetings but only casts a vote in the event of a tie. While the mayor has the authority to veto ordinances, the council can override this veto with a two-thirds majority vote. Additionally, the mayor handles committee and liaison assignments and makes most appointments, provided they receive the advice and consent of the council.
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Current Administration (2024)
As of 2024, the mayor of Sussex Borough is Republican Robert Holowach, whose term expires on December 31, 2027. The Borough Council is composed of the following members:
- Council President Mario Poggi (R, 2025)
- Charles H. Fronheiser Jr. (R, 2024)
- Martin Kokoruda (R, 2026)
- Jake Little (R, 2024)
- John Ross (R, 2025)
- Nicholas Southard (R, 2026)
Federal, State, and County Representation
Sussex Borough is integrated into several layers of higher government, ensuring representation at the county, state, and federal levels.
Federal and State Representation
The borough is located within the 5th Congressional District and the 24th state legislative district of New Jersey. For the 119th United States Congress, the 5th district is represented by Josh Gottheimer (D). At the federal level, New Jersey is represented in the U.S. Senate by Cory Booker (D, term ends 2027) and Andy Kim (D, term ends 2031).
For the 2026–2027 session, the 24th legislative district is represented in the State Senate by Parker Space (R) and in the General Assembly by Dawn Fantasia (R) and Mike Inganamort (R).
County Governance
Sussex County is managed by a Board of County Commissioners. This five-member board is elected at-large in partisan elections on a staggered basis. Each January, the board appoints a Commissioner Director and a Deputy Director, while a County Administrator handles day-to-day operations.
As of 2025, the Commissioners are:
- Director Jill Space (R, 2025)
- Deputy Director Chris Carney (R, 2027)
- Jack DeGroot (R, 2026)
- William Hayden (I, 2025)
- Alan Henderson (R, 2027)
The county also elects constitutional officers: Clerk Jeffrey M. Parrott (R, 2026), Sheriff Michael F. Strada (R, 2025), and Surrogate Gary R. Chiusano (R, 2028).
Key Facts
- Government Type: Borough form (Weak Mayor / Strong Council).
- Mayor's Term: 4 years, elected directly by voters.
- Council Structure: 6 members serving 3-year staggered terms.
- Congressional District: 5th District.
- State Legislative District: 24th District.
- County Leadership: 5-member Board of County Commissioners.
Political Trends and Voter Data
Politically, Sussex Borough has shown a consistent trend toward Republican candidates in both local and national elections. Voter registration data from March 2011 indicated a plurality of Unaffiliated voters (45.6%), followed by Republicans (37.4%) and Democrats (16.9%).
In presidential elections, the borough has historically favored Republican candidates. For example, in 2012, Mitt Romney received 57.8% of the vote; in 2008, John McCain received 57.1%; and in 2004, George W. Bush received 62.0%.
| Year | Republican % | Democratic % | Third Party % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 65.10% | 33.08% | 1.82% |
| 2020 | 59.85% | 36.90% | 3.25% |
| 2016 | 66.18% | 27.56% | 6.26% |
| 2012 | 57.75% | 39.88% | 2.36% |
| 2008 | 57.39% | 40.19% | 2.42% |
| 2004 | 62.04% | 35.78% | 2.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "weak mayor / strong council" mean in Sussex?
It means the borough council holds the primary legislative power. The mayor presides over meetings and makes appointments with council consent but only votes in the event of a tie.
How are borough council members elected?
Council members are elected at-large on a partisan basis. They serve three-year terms that are staggered, meaning two seats are up for election every year.
Who represents Sussex Borough in the U.S. Congress?
Sussex Borough is part of the 5th Congressional District, represented by Josh Gottheimer (D).
How is the Sussex County Board of Commissioners structured?
The board consists of five members elected at-large in partisan elections on a staggered basis. They select a Director and Deputy Director annually from among their members.
What is the general political leaning of the borough?
Based on historical election data from 2004 to 2024, the borough consistently leans Republican in presidential and gubernatorial elections.